Transmission info please

[Robert1994]

As my 5th gear is giving me problems, I obtained another transmission (used) to install in my car.
Reading the '94 Viper shop manual, it says that the
transmission should have the VIN# stamped onto a pad on the
left rear of the transmission.
I checked the unit I am going to install, and there are no
numbers on the pad at all. There is however a red metal tag
that has been attached with epoxy onto the right side of the tail shaft.
The numbers on it don't appear to be prod dates or VIN numbers.
Is the unit I am installing already a replacement trans ?
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[SteveBCloud9]

Depends where you bought it I guess. I just purchased a t-56 from a guy who bought it from a R&D shop. It's a 2000, brand new, never had a vin punched into it. This may be your case. I'm sure you've done your homework on the trans and it is a true t-56, etc.

 

[ViperGTS]

How many of you do have problems with the transmission T-56?
Although, I'm not "hit" we have in Germany two transmissions failed after approx. 30,000 miles ONLY. 5+6+rev.gear are "dead" (broken teeth and and melted needle bearing (?) - the needle bearing seems to have a plastic cage? How about the max torque capacity - according to TTC (Tremec, website) the max capacity is 611 Nm. Our Vipers do produce more torque!
Any input is welcome.
Thanks

 

[Robert1994]

The replacement unit I'm installing is certainly a
Viper T-56. Has the correct bell housing and the snake
head on the extension housing. I also have a third unit
for parts in the future.
The Viper manual says the trans is rated for 450lbs torque.
Doesn't sound like it would take much more than that to
hurt it.
What do all the tuners do ? H-D units or upgrades ? Carry two
spares ? In one of my Car & Driver mags, there was an article
about one of the Venom cars smoking a clutch but nothing
about losing the transmission itself.

 

[ViperGTS]

That's (NO) fun .... today I saw the third gearbox with destroyed needle bearings - and the casing is made from plastic.
Unbelievable!

 

[Robert1994]

OK, time for the TUNERS to speak up.
"How can you run 600 to 800HP cars with satisfactory
results", while street cars are losing transmissions ?
Is there an upgrade, special lubricant, shift secrets,
or silent replacement transmission program ?
J.H. ?? D.L. ??
Or is the BIG secret to not drive the car more than
1/4 mile at a time ?

 

[Robert1994]

OK, what's the normal lifetime for a tuner-car or race-track
OEM transmission ? Do they seem to fail after a certain amount
of track time, or is it a mileage issue ?
Also, why doesn't the GM counterpart doesn't have the same failure rate, even though the Viper box is supposed to be
stronger ? Simply a matter of torque ?

 

[pauls]

I've got a replacement T-56 in my 96 GTS. It's a howling success. I thought it was the rear but it's the trans.